Water wise achievements - Canberra International Airport

Saving water at Canberra International Airport

Did you know that:

  • Over 100,000 litres of water will be recycled every day across the Airport?
  • Over 1.2 million litres of rainwater is stored at the Airport?
  • Only non potable water is used for irrigation and dust suppressant at the Airport?
  • The Airport has water-efficient cooling towers, waterless urinals and water saving devices in buildings? and
  • The Airport has taken major steps to minimise water leakage, a common problem in most buildings?

Further information can be found at www.canberraairport.com.au/water

Canberra International Airport is a world leader in water use and has led a dedicated campaign to not only reduce water use across the Airport, but to also educate other water users across the ACT and Australia in how to better use precious water resources.

Water recycling

Canberra International Airport was the first to introduce a commercial large scale water recycling system in the ACT, and the first Airport to do so in Australia. This system was launched by the Chief Minister on 10 May 2007 and will compromise two major recycling plants which recycle 100,000 litres of water every day.

Canberra International Airport’s water recycling system will take sewer (or ‘black’) water and convert it to clean drinkable water, which is then used in toilets and in irrigation and is expected to be used in cooling towers (while the water is drinkable, it is not used for drinking or showering).

Further information can be found at www.canberraairport.com.au/water

Around the grounds

The Airport has ceased using potable drinking water on lawn areas and is now utilising recycled water, rainwater and ground water. New garden areas have been designed to incorporate sub-surface irrigation to drastically reduce the level of evaporation.

The principles of Water Sensitive Urban Design have been applied to landscaping in and around Canberra Airport to create conditions which enhance and minimise the impact on the natural water cycle.

Landscaping designs include contouring of concrete paths and patios towards garden beds, which have a finished level below the footpath. This allows the concrete footpaths to be washed by the rain and the runoff to be directed towards the garden beds and away from stormwater drains. Gravel is also placed at the edge of paths to provide infiltration for excess runoff and large grassed areas are slightly contoured and designed for stormwater infiltration.

Further information can be found at www.canberraairport.com.au/water

Continued water savings

Canberra International Airport will continue its leadership in investigating and installing new technology to conserve water across the Airport and educate others across the ACT and Australia how to better use our scarce water resources.

Further information can be found at www.canberraairport.com.au/water

What restrictions apply?

Under Stage 3 Water Restrictions, those managing Lawns and plants at parks, sports amenities, golf courses and public gardens are required to reduce water consumption by 35%. Restrictions related to pools, ponds and fountains also apply.

Canberra International Airport currently meets and is consistent with ALL Stage 4 ACTEW water restriction requirements.


This information in this fact sheet is regarded by Canberra International Airport as correct at time of writing.